The River Lily Empire
Born from war, the iron fist of the empire was built over a tumultuous millennia of slow, methodical and calculated decisions.
Etymology
During its early years, the country simply referred to itself as “The Empire”. However, during Galanthia’s Ascension, a magical event caused countless beautiful river lilies to bloom and flow across the countryside. The association with hope, and the impact Galanthia had on the people, led the country to eventually rename itself to “The River Lily Empire.”
History
DetailsFounding of the Empire
Before the War
Humans evolved in the eternal night of Elkus, a land filled with brutal, vile beasts and monsters lurking in every shadow. Gathering together in sheltered homesteads, humanity would do everything in its power to survive against the night. Homesteads would become towns, towns would become cities, and cities would become baronies. These small states would be the highest level of governance feasible in the nightmarish landscape, as travel for anyone, even trained soldiers, was highly dangerous. The baronies would rarely squabble, focused more on survival than politics, however some dreamed of greater landscapes. In the heart of Elkus, the barony that found the most success was Taron-Bol, a thorn against the darkness.
One baroness, Livia Fierhardt, heard tales of far off lands free of the eternal night, and sought to lead humanity into the light of day. These tales of such a bountiful land free of evil and flowing with life, resonated with the people, enough to pick up their arms and travel out from their wretched lands. While a decent number stayed, scholars estimate that nearly seven hundred thousand men, women, and children would join in the Fierhardt Exodus. Nearly two hundred thousand of these pilgrims would die on the journey from disease, exhaustion, or most likely the Elkan wilds.
When the massive population arrived in the River Lands of Allvebel, the high elf lords ignored their cry for help. Such a massive influx would destroy the balance of the country, destabilizing the region and leading to mass starvation. Those that partook in the exodus had sacrificed all they knew for a chance of happiness, and for the well-being of their descendants. Refusing to be sent back, Fierhardt rallied the people; if they were sent back, they would surely die. All able-bodied persons would join her army and strike out against the elves, thus beginning the Great War.
The Great War
The Great War stretched on for twenty-four years, making it the most vicious and tragic war in history. Of the estimated five hundred thousand survivors who arrived in Allvebel, one hundred thousand were military, guards, hunters, or otherwise skilled in combat. An additional three hundred thousand in levies were raised, sparing no man. Livia concluded that no level of diplomacy would convince the elves, and rather than be sent back to the nightmares of Elkus, humanity would make its stand.
While imperial records paint the movement as a whole as heroic, the upheaval of entire nations was nothing less than barbaric. Even with prolific numbers greater than the human forces, the high elves were wholly unprepared for the grueling guerilla conflicts as homes burned and skies turned red. Elven reports and documentation of battles described the human belligerents as “nothing less than monsters, animals fighting for their very lives with every inch.” The high elves had experienced a long era of peace, none could compare to the brutal creatures that humanity faced daily before the war. The human peasant had seen more conflict in their short lives than many elven guards.
Making rapid gains, Livia’s army would spread out from the Shaded Belt like a swarm of locusts. The sea elves of the Ore Coast and the dwarves of Torrix would find their homes swiftly overrun by the raging warriors. Dwarven cities would be sieged for years, but with little to no success compared to the southern front. The humans would eventually abandon any attempts to conquer the mountain homes. Even the natural warriors of the sea elves would unfortunately find their homes burned, forcing them to sail along the southern border to flee their aggressors.
Throughout the duration of the Great War, exemplary men and women rose above their station within the ranks of the human aggressors. One such man, known as Aldrich Vi Jericho, would take charge during the siege of the Allvebel capital. Under the dark of night, he led a small squad of his best men into the city, igniting food stores and assassinating key generals. As the city fell, its nobles were executed in the streets and its inhabitants were captured as prisoners. Individuals like Aldrich are divisive characters in history, hero to some, monster to others. Brutal strength, cunning adaptability, and the need of survival drove the tide of man until it slammed against the natural borders of the Sylvan Forest and the savannahs of Kresea.
Ending of the Great War
Eventually, the elven kingdoms were fully chased out of their realms, a once bountiful kingdom reduced to less than a fraction of its population. Peace treaties were eventually signed, dissolving the kingdom of Allvebel as part of their grave defeat. The survivors of the sea and high elf populations would be relocated to the forests, establishing the Sylvan Conclave and allowing them to survive. The human belligerents would acquire the great stretches of land they conquered, including the Ore Coast, and establish the Human Empire. A death toll recorded in the millions, and the exchanging of the global seat of power shook Fehr’gia, and scholars would use it as a reference point to determine the change of an era.
Il Restauro
The Four Dragons
Immediately following the great war, the empire would need to establish itself. The aging Livia Feirhardt called the most esteemed minds that had emerged during the Great War. Each would have their family raised to noble status for their service, and the empress would have them debate and make their cases for the direction that Fehr’gia would be taken in. These four nobles would be known as “The Four Dragons”, including Aldrich Vi Jericho, Renate Sindoni, Konstantin Mamertus, and Amalia Vi Geminus.
Jericho and Mamertus both had intense interests in expanding the military operation of the burgeoning empire, looking to move for financial incentives to achieve such a goal. Sindoni and Geminus however, desired to focus on healing their relationships with other countries. As a symbol of transparency, their debates would be hosted publicly, with each making their case for their stance on various topics. Through the Four Dragons, plans to reinhabit the conquered elven infrastructure would be drafted over the course of five years, the success of which would bring hope and empower the people.
Not all would be well moving forward after the war. People would trade their swords for plows, finding conflict against disease and beast alike. In 40 A.W., an elven plague known as the creeping death racked the countryside, devastating the people who had not developed immunities against it. One young village in particular, known as Nebb, would curse the gods for such a plague, earning the ire of the god of storms Talos. Culminating in the Smiting of Nebb of 47 A.W., where Talos would call down a bolt so powerful it shook the planet.
As the generations passed, these troubles only grew. Those that were children during the war began to voice their discontent, until the anger reached a boiling point. During one of the public debates of the aging dragons, a single peasant walked from the crowd and voiced his complaints. All onlookers sat in stunned silence, as Addler Dreyer spoke for three hours without contention from the crowd, the dragons, or even the empress.
Addler’s speech touched empress Livia, who would elevate him to noble status. Declared “the mule amongst dragons”, his ideas brought about better treatment of the people and reallocation of funding to assist in the growing domestic issues. While the other dragons resented him, he found an ally in Amalia, and together they would push for greater changes for future generations.
Galanthia
Almost a century after the great war, the division between the humans of the empire and its neighbors only seemed to grow. What had been generations for humans seemed only a blink in the eye of the other races. By 90 A.W., scars and wounds had begun to reach boiling point in the hearts of the empire's neighbors. Around this time, a young adventurer named Galanthia Einar began her journeys.
Despite originating from Elkus, her strength lay not only in spirit, but in heart. She would spend many of her years traversing the countryside, becoming a folk hero and quickly a legend to the people. She loved each and every soul, regardless of their background, and fought valiantly against the monsters and demons of the dark. With the peoples lives slowly improving, and Galanthia’s message echoing in their ears as they told her stories, the people began to honor and love her.
Shortly after her death, the rivers filled with beautiful white and purple lilies. The phenomenon would later be recognized as a sign of Galanthia’s ascension to godhood, however at the time the hearts of the people were captured. Following that, the imperials would rechristen their empire to the River Lily Empire.
La Murature
Beginning with the second century of the River Lily Empire’s existence, morale and hope would begin to soar. However, as people were drawn to the newly forming church of Galanthia, the carnage of the Great War still stained many of the streets and cities across the land. Hoping to focus this new burst of spirit, Emperor Nicomedo Arquitis would gather resources for a grand project. Titled La Murature, or “The Masonry Act”, the goal was to finally resettle and rebuild the infrastructure on a grand scale. Barrels upon barrels of gold and bonds were promised to the common folk, employing tens of thousands of locals and dwarven masons. The economy flourished as the shattered elven cities were rebuilt into glorious spires, mixing human design with dwarven functionality.
Cities were not the only focus of the project. From dirt paths to paved roads, to waterways and bridges, the east side of the empire would become more interconnected and easy to traverse than any other country. Even the smallest villages and towns would experience massive increases in tourism and a flow of coin. Houses were built, roads were flattened, the wilds were tamed. Major roads, the grandest of which being the “Falena Way”, literally meaning “Path of the Moth”, a national road stretching the length of the empire
La Solitudine
Raising Walls
While the people enjoyed success for over two centuries, a tragedy would soon befell the empire. In 412 A.W., an elven plot resulted in the assassination of empress Ginerva II, spreading fear and anger through the empire. People flocked to their leaders, their churches, wondering what would be done. Luckily, the world would not be embroiled in a second war. The assassins were captured and swiftly put to death in a public execution, beginning a long and solemn time for the Empire, its borders closed to all outside travel. Those found crossing were either jailed, or slain on the spot. The image of the glorious unbreakable human empire was shattered in the public eye.
To prevent the empire from breaking apart, huge shifts in the policies were undertaken. Ginerva’s brother, Pepin, took the seat of emperor and would strive to save the crumbling trust in the empire. Using the recent economic boom, he would fund the largest army seen since the great war. He would have them trained harder than ever before, and have them equipped in stunning armor. Soldiers of this army would be more than an armed force, they would be a symbol for the people. While he would succeed in building his army, he failed to do what he set out to. Irreparably scarring the economy, his Silver Sentinels would be met by anger and distrust.
Pepin would become a failed emperor, though his efforts would not be in vain. His successors would use them to great effect, earning the people's trust year after year by using this military to truly conquer the wilds of the riverlands. While spending was high for the military budget, monstrosities and bandits were all but banished from the eastern side of the empire. Using the infrastructure developed and maintained by La Murature, they slowly crept back on spending and regained the trust of the people through ensured safety.
Hope restored, the anger of forefathers would fade and blur with time. The cry to reopen the borders of the empire resounded across the world, pushed on all sides, and talks would begin again in 527 A. W. Eventually, a treaty was drafted in the city of Avenguarde. The world rejoiced as their plea was met, notably allowing free crossing for adventurers of the Emerald League guild.
L'età D'oro
Golden Blades
The Influx of traders and new ideas and new technologies would respark the imperial economy. Philosophers and free thinkers would spread their ideas through the kingdom, and the Galanthian faith would spread into the wider world. Imperials traveling to other kingdoms and far off lands would notice that the local militia and guards paled compared to the elites stationed throughout their homeland. Streets weren’t as safe as in the empire's borders, and monsters seemed to plague the wilds. Over a century of isolation filled with campaigns to boost morale and national pride had finally succeeded. The seed of Pipen’s dream centuries ago would finally bear fruit. All future imperial efforts were to further hammer on this, forging a loyal and proud people.
Many more government projects were started from 600 A.W. to 800. A.W., such as the Diamond Act, which focused on training and employing wizards in both field and officer roles for the military. The Victory Act would pool funds for tournaments to be held annually and frequently to harden the resolve and instill a public focus on strength and skill. Naturally, people would pray to the goddess of warriors Airie in response. The strongest of champions would be conscripted as warriors in the imperial army. The establishment of a royal group of soldiers to protect the ruling emperor almost went unnoticed, forgotten by all except the most dedicated of historians and recorders of public history. The rulers of the empire would become more strategic in their motions, quietly manipulating behind the scenes.
This line of work would continue, building the empire up more and more into the economic and military giant it is today. The most recent empress, queen Crescenzia Arquitis, would be the first to return to the public eye. Coming into power in 1020 A.W., she openly rules with an iron fist. Her word is law, and her power is absolute.
Government
DetailsFor the Crown
The River Lily Empire is a crowned empire led by an emperor or empress that serves as absolute monarch. The current empress being the “Raven Queen” Crescenzia Arquitis. Every decision, every law enforced is for the safety and betterment of its citizens. To question the will of the emperor is to betray the empire itself. Treason, of course, is punishable by many things, the least of which is death. Given the extensive size of the empire, controlling nearly over 4 million square miles, delegation has become a vital part of imperial hegemony. Mayors would report to governors who report to lords, endlessly up the chain until the news eventually reaches the head of state. Each of these positions has been specifically chosen by a higher power, creating large swaths of nepotism that spread out down the chain. Despite this, inadequacy is not tolerated in the empire, which upholds strict codes and standards, with no second chances. Being ejected from a position is often grounds to leave the country.
Military
DetailsThe War Machine
Every calculated decision over the past thousand years has been for the betterment of the empire’s military. Consisting of nearly seven percent of the population, from masterful fighters to zealous paladins, and even mystical wizards. True imperial soldiers have been trained so thoroughly that they have been compared to warforged in their suits of gilded armor. Soldiers have easy access to the entire countryside, able to maneuver over the massive and well kept road system.
Even the basic soldier is equipped with mastercraft armor and weapons, both forged from dwarven steel. The sheer numbers, ruthless training, and expert equipment make the costs of the military astronomical, but gold is worth pennies compared to glory for the empire. It will have the greatest military on the planet, a declaration not up for debate. This absolutism has caused friction between borders in recent years.
Rusted Innards
While the military is unflinching, local guard barracks often receive little if any funding in even the greater cities. Cutting corners in the coinpurse has drawn the attention of miscreants and street rats. Local militias are often made of disreputable types, second-hand dropouts who could not survive basic training. Those that have loyal and honest men in their barracks are either understaffed or underequipped. While this is not a major issue for eastern cities and towns, the more rural and untamed western side of the country continues to be plagued by bandits and monsters. This is not to mention that domestic spending has been cut as well. While economic success drives a thriving and massive middle class, even the most fortunate lower class citizens can barely manage to survive on the streets.
Culture
DetailsGilded Warriors
For those with gold in their pocket, life in the empire is bountiful. The plentiful farms are watered and the soils kept fresh by the many rivers running through the countryside, the temperate climate allowing for all manner of fruits and vegetables, from apples to zucchinis. There is no shortage of livestock either, granting a buffet and keeping the cost of food low. This realm of plenty is contrasted by the majorly human population. The blood of the Great War still stains the rivers red, creating a sour taste for those with familial history of the event. While merchants and travelers will often travel through, they rarely stay.
War Games
Life revolves around the military in the River Lily Empire. Soldiers are trained to be role models, to inspire the crowds and present unerring legends. Constant tournaments are held, showing off the greatest feats of the mightiest champions. Children are inspired to grow up and become like the mighty heroes they watch in the arena games. To serve in the military is a dream.The Church of Galanthia
The people of the empire largely do not worship the Tor Asterion pantheon, with small temples venerating gods of war and victory. The great majority of the populus instead follow the Galanthian Faith, some to the point of zealotry. At times the teachings of the faith contradict the desires of the imperial crown, however the church has become so widespread that it is impossible to take action against it. Instead, the empire readily uses zealous practitioners and paladins to bolster the ranks of its military.
Major Cities
DetailsRavenhall
Capital of the empire, a booming city built over the monuments of the old elven capital before it. Home of the empress’s court, filled with beautiful buildings to exemplify the empire's success.
Silver Port
Once a small mining village, it has quickly become a major world port and economic center thanks to recent leadership.
Avonguarde
Considered the city of free religion, keeping worship of the Tor Asterion pantheon alive in the riverlands.
Magian
A city with the highest prestige magic academy in the world. The academy has essentially taken over the city, and all its faculties.
Luce Sacra
A town existing built around the cathedral of Galanthia. It serves as the papal center for the Galanthian faith, with most of the order living or stationed inside the cathedral or the surrounding town.
Economy
DetailsThe lines between classes are quickly becoming chasms. While the middle class is quite large, and lives a fairly happy life, the upper elite stockpile gold in vaults comparable to dwarven kings. Those who make up the lower class can barely afford the clothes on their back, let alone a roof over their head. Luckily, the extreme excess of food prevents even the destitute from going hungry. The levels of excess are so high that most harvests end up becoming the major worldwide exports. While food and excess serves as the major driving force of the economy, it has become majorly self sufficient. The ore coast provides ample alloys and metals to be tempered in the forges of blacksmiths and factories. Silk is woven into elaborate and ornamental clothes along the southern port towns, and shipped along rivers up the capital.
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